On the heels of their biggest win of the year against Syracuse, St. John's avoided a let down and throttled Fairleigh Dickinson at Carnesecca Arena, winning 74-52.
Game recap
D`Angelo Harrison had another huge night with 26 points and six rebounds. And Phil Greene IV picked up where he left off contributing 16 points, going 2-4 from three in the process.
The offense as a whole was clicking on all cylinders. The Red Storm shot 57% from the field with a season high 15 assists. Only six players scored, but four of those six were in double figures.
St. John's athleticism and smothering defense was on full display, with the team blocking a total of 11 shots.
It was the kind of win that reinforces a teams confidence, and supports the top-25 ranking.
Regardless of the opponent St. John's showed hunger for a victory and also the poise to harness their emotions.
The senior leadership is taking a firm grasp on this young season.
Sir`Dominic Pointer, a career year so far
A typical Dom Pointer evening, he collected 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and two blocks. He even fouled out just for good measure.
It's become obvious that Pointer is a unique player who can do it all and really fill a stat sheet.
But what's been most impressive of late is his ability to score in the middle of a zone. He is very comfortable with a turn-around jumper from the elbow or using the pump-fake to get his defender in the air and drive to the rim.
With Obekpa down low, the combination of Harrison, Greene, and Jordan on the perimeter, and Pointer in the middle, the Johnnies can attack and score in a variety of ways making them extremely difficult to defend.
Pointer is also averaging career highs in MPG (32.9), PPG (10.6), RPG (8.6), APG (3.1), BPG (1.9), SPG (2.7).
D`Angelo Harrison, setting the tone
Harrison is leading this team the best way he knows how; by example.
He has scored in double figures in each game this season. And he is asserting himself on the glass averaging a career high 8.1 RPG.
Whether its locking down his opponent or fighting for lose balls, he is setting the tone for this squad.
He is also on a streak of 17 consecutive made free throws.
How do you think D`Angelo Harrison has come along these past few years?
Rysheed Jordan, from the bench
After back to back 18 point performances against Minnesota and Gonzaga, Jordan has struggled a bit.
He has scored in double digits in only one of his last three games and continues to struggle at the line shooting just over 60% on the season.
Since his nine turnover performance against Gonzaga, he has been much better taking care of the ball committing eight in his last three games combined.
It will be interesting to see if Lavin will continue to use him off the bench, or if he inserts him back into the starting lineup. Jordan is still playing significant minutes off the bench, playing 33 in the big win against Syracuse at the Dome.
Next up
Next up for the Red Storm is an inner-city matchup with the rival Fordham Rams on Sunday 12/14 at 2pm.
Regardless of the standings, this game always has an electric feel to it.
Bragging rights will be on the line, and the Rumble has you covered up to the game.